What are the Best Family Neighborhoods in Miami in 2023?

What is the Best Neighborhood for Relocating Families with Kids – Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, or Pinecrest?

What are the Best Family Neighborhoods in Miami in 2023? The David Siddons Group has handled literally hundreds of relocations. Family relocations accelerated through the pandemic and families from across the US flooded into Miami.

The dialogue we had become very predictable and within a 30 min call we were able to almost a 100% accuracy pin down the preferred neighborhood. In the hope that we can help new clients make that first step and start their home search most effectively we have decided to address the ultimate question: ‘Which is better for your family: Coconut Grove, Coral Gables or Pinecrest?

All three neighborhoods are top of the list of the BEST Miami neighborhoods for families. Superb private schools exist across all 3 neighborhoods. Which one suits best is down to your family’s needs, budget, and age of the children. So read on then give me a call and I can provide you with the best on and off-market property options.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami and is known for its lush, green landscape and bohemian vibe. The area has a rich history and has been home to several prominent figures over the years, including Alexander Graham Bell and Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Coconut Grove is a perfect place for families who love the outdoors, with several parks and nature reserves nearby, including the Barnacle Historic State Park, which is a great spot for picnics, hiking, and kayaking. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an Italian Renaissance-style mansion built in 1914, is a must-visit attraction, and the CocoWalk shopping center is home to the newest breed of ‘cool’ shops and restaurants. Coconut Grove is an excellent choice for families looking for a tight-knit community with a laid-back atmosphere and most importantly an organic feel.

Pros:

• Small Town Feeling with a sense of community
• Proximity to some great schools along South Bayshore Dr
• The Grove real estate market has consistently seen an increase in value
• In a recent study by the University of Miami, Coconut Grove was ranked as one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Miami. (Source: University of Miami)
• Lush and tranquil streets

Cons:

• Always a limited supply of products but most importantly not cheap.
• For some, it might be too lush and seem chaotic or unorganized

Who fits best?

• Families that need to be centrally located or close to Brickell
• Families looking for alternatives to single-family living such as townhomes or large luxury condos

Statistics worth mentioning

• Coconut Grove has a population of approximately 21,000 and a median household income of $136,000. (Source: Niche)
• Coconut Grove consistently ranks among the top school districts in Florida. (Source: GreatSchools)
• According to Zillow, the median home value in Coconut Grove is $1.1 million. This seems a bit off in our experience, and therefore we do not rely on external websites. In the last 6 months, Coconut Grove homes sold between $600K and $8M with an average price of $2.1M and a median price of $1.7M. A good quality home to move in without renovations will start around $2.5M while a brand new home in the Grove will start at $4.5M.
• Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Pinecrest all have low crime rates compared to the rest of Miami-Dade County. (Source: Neighborhood Scout)

Coral Gables

Coral Gables is an upscale, suburban neighborhood known for its elegant Mediterranean-style homes, tree-lined streets, and world-class shopping and dining. The area is home to several high-ranking schools, including the University of Miami, which is one of the top-ranked private universities in the country. The Coral Gables Art Cinema is a cultural hub for movie lovers, and the Miracle Mile shopping district is home to several upscale shops and boutiques. The Venetian Pool, a 1920s-era public pool with a waterfall and grotto, is a popular spot for families to cool off during the hot Miami summers. Coral Gables is a fantastic choice for families who enjoy the finer things in life and want to live in a safe and secure environment.

Pros

• Coral Gables offers several highly-rated schools and consistently ranks among the top school districts in Florida. (Source: GreatSchools)
• Coral Gables has low crime rates compared to the rest of Miami-Dade County. (Source: Neighborhood Scout)
• Coral Gables is more spread out and although it offers the most luxurious waterfront mansions, if you look west of the US1 you will also find smaller, old Spanish homes with more affordable prices.
• The public services in Coral Gables are highly regarded for their effectiveness and efficiency. The police and fire rescue services are praised for their prompt response times and high level of professionalism.
• Streets are more organized, more open, and provide sidewalks
• Coral Gables offers many waterfront homes although many of them are located on canals or lakes

Cons

• Coral Gables residents pay relatively more taxes than Miami or Pinecrest Residences
• Coral Gables’ architecture or building opportunities are more limited due to the city’s strict building codes.

Who fits best?

• Families with bigger pockets that are looking for gated communities or waterfront mansions
• Families that have kids in middle or high school

Statistics Worth Mentioning

• Coral Gables has a population of approximately 50,000 and a median household income of $134,754. (Source: Niche)
• Coral Gables has low crime rates compared to the rest of Miami-Dade County. (Source: Neighborhood Scout)
• Coral Gables was named one of top 20 top family-friendly cities in the US in 2022 (Source: Opendoor)
• In the last 180 days, the average home in Coral Gables was priced at $2.5M and the median was $1.6M. Ranging from $650K to $30M. A good move-in ready home will start selling for around $2M and a brand new home will start at around $4M/$4.5M.

Ponce Davis

If you like Coral Gables and do not need to be on the water, you might also want to consider Ponce Davis (Coral Gables on Steroids). Ponce Davis is a residential neighborhood located between east and west Coral Gables. It is known for its luxury homes, tree-lined streets, and large lots that offer residents privacy and seclusion. The neighborhood is considered one of the most exclusive and affluent areas in Miami, with many homes selling for millions of dollars. The area is ideally located and close to Miami’s top schools. This small area is ideally suited for families with deep pockets that like newer, high-quality homes. As per 2023, the average and median home price in Ponce Davis is $4.4M.

Pinecrest

Pinecrest is a residential neighborhood located in the southern part of Miami-Dade County, known for its spacious homes, excellent schools, and ample green spaces. The neighborhood has a small-town feel and is a great place for families who want to live in a quiet and safe environment. Pinecrest Gardens, a 20-acre park, is home to several exotic plants and animals, and hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the popular Chili Cook-Off. The Falls shopping mall is a great spot for families to shop, eat, and catch a movie. Pinecrest is a great option for families who want to enjoy the benefits of suburban living while still being close to the action of Miami.

Pros

• Ideal for families with some of the best private and public schools being located in Pinecrest
• Pinecrest offers large homes on large lots
• The price per Sf is lower than in the other desired areas (although homes are often much larger)

Cons

• Pinecrest is further away from areas like Brickell
• Pinecrest is also quieter or purely residential compared to the other areas mentioned. So if you are looking for a busier less purely residential area this might be less suited for you.
• No access to the open water, so not suitable for those seeking waterfront homes

Who fits best?

• Those looking for large homes on large lots
• Those who like a true residential area with many families around
• Families whose kids attend middle or high school (Palmer Trinity and Gulliver)
• Families looking for a large brand new construction home

Statistics Worth Mentioning

• Pinecrest has a population of approximately 19,000 and a median household income of $166,000 (Source: Niche)
• Pinecrest ranks consistently among the top school districts in Florida. (Source: GreatSchools)
• Pinecrest has a low crime rate compared to the rest of Miami-Dade County. (Source: Neighborhood Scout)
• Pinecrest was ranked as one of the top 50 places to live in the United States by Money Magazine in 2020. (Source: Money Magazine)
• In 2023 the average sales price in Pinecrest is $3M and the median sales price is $2.25M

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